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Youth organizations seeing growth

While many traditional youth organizations seem to be shrinking, or disappearing altogether, there appears to be one bright spot with 4-H. A new club is ready to begin meeting in Chester, with the first official gathering set to take place Oct. 1 at the Chester Municipal Building. It is being assisted through the efforts of the Hancock County Family Support Center. There also are efforts to establish a new club in Weirton, with meetings at the Mary H. Weir Public Library. They join several already established in our area, and, to me, that’s a good thing as it provides more ...

Choose to live for now rather than looking back at life

There are moments when we all either intentionally or unintentionally reflect upon our past. We look back and think about mistakes we have made along the way. Why? Why do we look at where we have been instead of where we are going? Is it because it is easier? Familiar? But what will be? What is to come? Well, that seems kind of frightening, doesn’t it? We never know what will happen from day to day or if we will be even given a tomorrow. Despite how convincing ortalented somebody is at convincing us they can see into our future, they can’t, for only God knows ...

History in the Hills: Volunteer contributions

This next year we have many anniversaries to look forward to at Historic Fort Steuben. Starting in 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary and the fort will be ready to share in the festivities. We are actively planning events to make 2026 a fantastic year, not only at the fort, but in the community as well. Also, next year will mark the 20th anniversary of our Concert Series, which began on site with a small stage in the parking lot of the Visitor Center. Now, we are hosting concerts in the Berkman Amphitheater to packed bleachers. Look for a great lineup when it is ...

Guest Opinion: Taking the road to a healthier West Virginia

“Take the backroads, not the highway.” — Minnie Pearl On September 4, we cut the ribbon on something I believe will change lives: a new, $37 million, state-of-the-art outpatient clinic in Elkins, West Virginia, a part of a broader, nearly $1 billion initiative that WVU Medicine is taking to expand healthcare access across our state. The WVU Medicine Elkins Corridor Medical Center represents more than bricks, mortar, and medical equipment. It’s a physical expression of our mission to change the trajectory of healthcare in West Virginia by bringing world-class care to places ...

A potpourri of random W.Va. thoughts

West Virginians awaiting U.S. Senate confirmations will have to wait a little bit longer. Due to Senate Democrats dragging out votes on President Donald Trump’s appointees, the Republican majority has begun approving appointees in large batches. On Thursday, the Senate approved 48 Trump appointees. The next big block of appointees (hat tip Frank Thorp V at NBC News) will likely occur at the beginning of October, assuming the nation is not dealing with a government shutdown. The next block consists of 59 names, including three West Virginians. State Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, ...

Area businesses will benefit from ‘bootcamp’

The “Business Bootcamp” series kicked off this past week with a session which would have been good for anyone looking to start their own business. Organized by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, with support from the City of Weirton, Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, and First Microloan of West Virginia, the Bootcamp series was designed with the business community in mind – those who are looking to start their own business, as well as those who have been established for some time. (Here’s the part where I note my involvement in the Chamber as a matter ...